5 Ways to Stay Active During the Summer, that’s not Going to the Gym

The thing I most love about summer is that it feels 100x easier to get active compared to during winter. In winter I want nothing more than to eat comfort food and lay on the couch with some good TV, but in summer I want to be outside enjoying the nice weather, I want to move and enjoy the longer days. I have to force myself to get up in the morning during winter and go to the gym, just so I make sure that I’m getting some physical activity. I don’t have to stress about gym-time as much this time of year because it comes more naturally.

Here are 5 ways to stay active during the summer, that’s not going to the gym.

Take a bike ride

Biking is such an underrated way to get around. Remember the days where you didn’t have your drivers license and had to stick to two-wheels if you wanted to get anywhere? Relive those glory days! It’s great having a car as an option, but try to use your bike as a primary. It’s an easy way to get to work or to the grocery store to pick up a couple of items. Just make sure you bring a lock! (Bonus: it keeps you from overspending or diverting from your list!). Even if you just want to enjoy a bike ride with your family in the evening or on the weekend, it’s a great activity to take part in.

I used to bike to work regularly, but then started a new job and moved to a new place and it just wasn’t practical for me to rely on my bike any longer. When we moved in August, we moved significantly closer to my workplace. It takes me approximately 10 minutes to get to work by bike, so there is no reason not to take advantage that opportunity! It’s nice to get some fresh air before and after work and I feel more alert throughout the day.

I realize that not everyone has the luxury of living close to work. Here’s a post by Leslie at Cupcakes & Cashmere that is relevant for anyone who feels that they live too far from work, or that are apprehensive about starting to cycle. Seriously, give it a read.

Explore outside

We watch a lot of TV during the winter months, but we tend to get restless as soon as the nice weather hits. Exploring outside is not only a nice way to pass some time, but also a great way to get in some extra steps.

Try and find some new areas to adventure through. It can be some nearby trails or an area of the city you haven’t spent much time in, just start walking. With something to look at, whether it be buildings or scenery, you probably won’t even realize the cardio workout that you’re getting.

If you can’t think of somewhere new to explore, find out what outdoor events are happening in your city. Activities like walking around a community garage sale, festivals, or a farmers market are all great options and serve the same purpose!

Outdoor classes

It seems like fitness studios are starting to get in on the outdoor trend more and more. Many will offer once a week classes outside for a variety of workouts. I know that different studios in Saskatoon will regularly have boot camp and yoga outside. Some spin studios will even bring their equipment out from time to time! This is a great option if you still want a solid workout, but don’t necessarily want to be stuck in four walls with fluorescent lighting.

A bonus to this, many of these classes are offered free of charge! It’s a great way to try out some new things, at zero cost to you.

Go for a walk or run

I suppose this one is kind of obvious and speaks for itself. Cardio is a great workout, and walking or running outside is a great way to get it. It’s a nice break from the treadmill or elliptical, and it’s nice to have the ever-changing scenery as you move. Just make sure you wear your sunscreen!

Enjoy the playground

I’ve been wanting to write a full post about this for awhile now, and perhaps one day I will. Just like how riding your bike it a great activity when you’re younger and older, so is playing at the playground..just in a different way. I wouldn’t recommend playing a game of Grounder or tag on the play structure, but you certainly can use the equipment to your advantage.

This is a great way to get some body-weight workouts in, without needing any gym equipment. A swing can double as TRX and monkey bars are great for pull-ups. There are a ton of options there, you just need to get creative!

Whether you want a full workout by taking an outdoor class or going for a run, or you just want to stay active by exploring your city, summer is the perfect time to get a break from the gym. There are so many options for how to stay active and enjoy the weather at the same time. Take advantage of that while you can. We all know that winter will return with a vengeance in no time.

Thanks for stopping by Andi’s Attic! Much like an attic, you will find a little bit of everything here. You’ll find fashion, health & fitness, reviews, adventure and general life topics. For 2018 I have embarked on a No Spend Year, stay tuned for monthly tips & tricks on that! For more information see the “About Me” section. You can reach me through any of my social media channels, or by emailing andisattic@outlook.com

Search for:

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.